For blues musician Gil Correia, playing the blues is a form of self-expression.

“It’s all about telling a story and it’s all about expressionism — expressing yourself through the notes you play on the guitar,” said Correia.

Joined by his band, Correia played at the first Blues Picnic on Saturday, July 22, sponsored by Onset’s Dudley L. Brown VFW Post 2846.

Correia grew up in West Bridgewater and has been a Wareham resident for nearly 30 years. Since then, he has been touring South America and the Caribbean with another tour scheduled for October.

“Now I have friends [in Buenos Aires] that are like my family. I’ve been on tour there nine times,” said Correia. 

His path to blues began when he was 42 years old.

“One day I just decided that I was going to play the guitar, and the easiest thing that came to me was the blues,” said Correia.

Throughout his learning experiences, Correia was tutored by guitarist Ronnie Earl and Ricky “King” Russell, who had major influences on his work.

“I got a lot of opportunities that other people didn’t get the chance to,” he said. “I’m very grateful.”

Along with the Gil Correia Band, there were performances by Willie J. Laws, Cheryl Arena and Toni L. Washington.

In past years, the Onset Bay Association held the annual blues festival. This year, they were unable to host the event after 30 years, so the Dudley L. Brown VFW decided to hold their own blues picnic. 

“We thought it was something positive for the town, so why not do it at the VFW,” said Ben Baptiste, commander of the Dudley L. Brown VFW Post 2846.

Baptiste explained that the picnic is an opportunity to bring the community together to enjoy live music.

“I think it brings a different genre to the area,” said Baptiste. “People crave [the blues] so we want to make sure it’s out there.”

Audience members danced and sang their way through each band’s set.

“The bands are fantastic — it’s always fun, ” said Kim Aiello, who came from Plymouth to see the live music. “It’s the perfect day to be at a concert.”

Ed Zappa “loves the blues,” and sat right in front of the stage.

“It’s an American art form,” said Zappa.